Matchup: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Event Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Venue: M. M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Betting Odds: Golden Eagles (+13.5)
Over/Under Total: 61.5
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (who finished last season at 1-11) will host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (with a 2-10 record) at M. M. Roberts Stadium. The bookmakers have positioned Mississippi State as a 13.5-point underdog for this contest, with the over/under set at 61.5 points.
Last season, the Bulldogs concluded with a disappointing 2-10 mark. Their final game resulted in a loss to the Ole Miss Rebels, who edged them out 26-14. Defensively, Mississippi State allowed 254 rushing yards on 51 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. In the air, they permitted 14 completions on 24 throws for 143 yards, achieving a completion rate of 58.3%. The Bulldogs recorded 63 plays totaling 330 yards, while their rushing offense contributed only 39 yards from 30 attempts, averaging 1.3 yards per carry.
In 2024, Mississippi State accumulated a total of 4,526 yards, dividing this into 19 touchdowns through the air and 19 on the ground, though they also turned the ball over 18 times. The Bulldogs achieved 244 first downs but struggled with penalties, committing 82 infractions for 724 yards. Their rushing attack averaged 137.9 yards per game, placing them 87th nationally. They managed an average of 25.8 points per game.
However, defensively, Mississippi State ranked 118th in college football, allowing an average of 34.1 points per game. Opponents averaged 5.0 yards per rush and collectively gained 2,603 rushing yards against them across 12 games. In the passing department, the Bulldogs surrendered 2,874 yards, which put them at 78th nationwide. Over the course of the season, they allowed 239.5 passing yards per game with a completion percentage against of 70.4%. They ranked 126th overall, permitting 456.4 yards per game, including 23 passing touchdowns and 24 rushing touchdowns.
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On the other side, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles closed their season with a 1-11 record. Their final game ended in a 52-20 defeat to the Troy Trojans. Southern Miss managed 290 yards on 61 plays (averaging 4.8 yards per play) in that outing, while their rushing game struggled to gain just 31 yards on 30 carries (1.0 yard per carry). The Eagles’ defense faced 44 rushing attempts, yielding 266 yards (6.0 yards per carry). Their pass defense had a completion rate of 51.9%, allowing 187 yards on 14 completions out of 27 attempts.
Throughout the past season, Southern Miss averaged 283.5 yards per game, ranking 131st in Division 1. Their offensive penalties totaled 580 yards from 72 violations, placing them 79th nationwide. They averaged 108.6 rushing yards per game, tallying 1,303 yards over the season. Additionally, the team turned the ball over 17 times and lost 12 fumbles, resulting in 185 first downs. The Eagles struggled to score, finishing 132nd in Division 1 with an average of only 15.3 points per game. Their passing game yielded 2,099 yards, averaging 174.9 yards per game, ranking 120th in the nation.
Defensively, Southern Miss allowed a total of 2,792 rushing yards (232.7 yards per game) and 31 rushing touchdowns throughout the season. In the passing game, they conceded 24 touchdowns and gave up an average of 216.5 yards per game, placing them 64th in Division 1. The Golden Eagles managed 4 fumble recoveries and 6 interceptions last season and were on the field for 796 plays, ranking 33rd in D-1. The defense allowed an alarming average of 37.8 points per game, which placed them 128th in Division 1, culminating in 454 total points allowed.
Who emerges victorious in this pivotal Bulldogs/Golden Eagles college football game against the spread?
Our Prediction: Take the Bulldogs -13.5
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